The Dark Knight

Title: Batman - The Dark Knight
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman
Genre: Action/Crime

Julia’s Verdict: 5/5 (*****)

The first day The Dark Knight played in theatres, everyone was talking about it. Everyone went to see it as soon as they could. I was late, but nonetheless very much interested. Not just because Batman movies are the only superhero movies I can even look at, but also because of Heath Ledger’s notorious performance as The Joker.

When Christian Bale became Batman in Batman Begins, Batman got a huge make-over. No, not the bat suit. But the feel of the movies changed. Where Gotham was once a place where Jim Carry bounced around in tights and Uma Thurman swooned around, pouting, under the name “Mother Nature”… Gotham had turned into an actual city that could actually exist (besides the whole ‘flying bat suit’ thing). Batman Begins was much darker than all previous Batman films, which made it more attractive, more in order. What was out of order, though, was Bale’s ‘Batman voice’ - a phenomenon I will never really get my head around. And I won’t try to, since Batman movies involve a lot more than Bale using the Batman voice.

The Dark Knight’s theme is Batman’s place in Gotham, his place in society as both a criminal and a hero. When a new villain shows up by the name of The Joker, a series of events take place about which I will not say too much. After all; you’ll just have to go and see it, won’t you? If you saw the older Batman films, you will find it interesting that in this film, you see how Two Face is ‘born’.

Besides, the plot is not the star of this film. I was a great admirer of the late Heath Ledger, but I can honestly say that I am subjective when I say that he is the star of The Dark Knight. When an artist deceases, it is easy for people to deify his work and him. I was afraid that this was the case with his role as The Joker, dispite the fact that I knew he was an immensely talented, solid actor. But I can promise anyone, anytime, that Ledger’s performance on its own is worth the entrance fee (”I’m gonna make this pencil… disappear” - you’ll know when you see it). His portrayal of the joker is phenomenal. It is frightening, amusing, and even funny at times. You will notice the whole audience nervously giggling and gasping while you see how Heath Ledger made the Joker into a terrifying psycho. As opposed to villains in the old Batmans who, I repeat, danced around in tights.

But Heath Ledger is not the only cast member who is worth your entrance fee. What makes this movie so strong, is the strong cast. All performances are breathtaking and flawless. Unless of course the Batman voice annoys you too much. Christian Bale is a great actor and a very good Batman - but come on man, the low, crispy, breathy Monster of Loch Ness voice was so unnecessary. But hey, I don’t want to overreact - it doesn’t influence the quality of the film or the performances. Also an honourable mention for Maggy Gyllenhaal, who makes Rachel Dawes a very strong and likable character. The living, breathing proof that superheroes don’t need whingy damsels in distress. Batman looks just as glorious, if not more glorious, with a strong and hot woman conquering his heart.

You want to see this. And after that, you’ll probably want to see it again.